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The Committee notes from the Government’s report the entry into force on 1 July 2000 of the Order on the safety and health of workers in building works of 29 March 2000, which updates safety requirements by taking account of current techniques and increased needs for the protection of workers against the risks they face at work. It notes that this Order specifies obligations of employers and workers, not previously contained in the old Order, and in particular the obligation to wear protective helmets, and more detailed provisions on the use of scaffolds and work carried out on or on the edge of roofs. The Committee also notes the entry into force on 1 January 2000 of the Order on the safe use of cranes of 27 September 1999. It requires for each crane a crane book, a control booklet, and a statement of conformity. It further enumerates the training requirements for obtaining permits to operate cranes. It also provides for the recognition by the Swiss national social security fund (Caisse nationale suisse d’assurance - CNA) of experts in cranes, in case of accidents, and that the employer is required to ensure that these experts have the necessary conditions for carrying out their work. The Committee also notes that other obsolete provisions are in the process of being re-examined (or even repealed).

The Committee wishes to recall to the Government the invitation formulated by the Governing Body to States parties to Convention No. 62 to contemplate ratifying the Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), the ratification of which, ipso jure, will involve the immediate denunciation of Convention No. 62, and its request to member States to inform the Office of the obstacles and difficulties encountered, if any, that might prevent or delay the ratification of Convention No. 167. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information in this regard.